In Stephen Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, the very last one is called the “Principles of Balanced Self-Renewal.”  More commonly, it is known as Sharpen the Saw.  The metaphor he uses to explain this is straightforward.  If you were cutting down a tree, it would be much easier with a sharp saw.

What we don’t often think about is the four dimensions of self-renewal.  On Thanksgiving week, there is a perfect opportunity to experience a little of all four.

1. Spiritual Renewal. In the U.S., we have a chance to reflect on gratitude.  What are we grateful for, and how will we give thanks?  Can you spend a little extra time this week contemplating all that has gone right in your life for the last year?  Who will listen as you share those perfect feelings?

2. Physical Renewal. Did you know that the United States consumes more food on Thanksgiving Day than any other day of the year? It’s also one of the highest alcohol consumption days.  While the consumption binge is briefly satisfying, we also get an opportunity to catch a little extra sleep, relaxation time, and (for the food guilty) even some exercise.

3. Social/Emotional Renewal. With time away from work, we have an opportunity to spend more time with our family and friends; we can renew familial bonds and friendships.  Sharing a meal is more than breaking bread.  We also share the relationships made and strengthened over the table.

4. Mental Renewal. When we take the time to slow down, we can spend a little time letting our minds wander in some new directions.  We catch up on the news, daydream, plan without pressure, and even catch up on some list-making and office cleaning.

While these four areas seem unique, they share a common trait:  you can only engage in renewal by being proactive.   When the urgent drives you, revival doesn’t happen.

Ask yourself a simple question:  Do I need a holiday to sharpen my saw?  You don’t have to have a holiday.  You can establish a habit by building time in your schedule for renewal.  This doesn’t mean just thinking about it.  Unless you make the time in your plan, you won’t set the time to break your old habits.  Ironically, the one that most people don’t take seriously is mental renewal.  We schedule time off; we have vacations.  What most people don’t do is schedule time for cognitive development.

  • When was the last time you took a class to improve your job performance?
  • What are you scheduling regularly to develop new skills and attributes?
  • How often do you talk with outside business acquaintances without trying to sell them something?

How Do Other Leaders Find Renewal?

Dana and I appreciate you.  We love sharing our sandbox with all of you and are thankful for the joy and energy you bring.

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